Regent Reporter - April 13th, 2022

As you can tell when you drive past the building, construction is well underway at West High School. This $70.2mm remodel is West’s part of the $315mm 2020 High School Capital Referendum. The work that is happening now is focused on the Van Hise Gym and Library Media Center, both of which will be converted into multiple classrooms to provide space to transition classrooms in and out over the next two years as the rest of the school slowly is transformed.

It’s exciting, but nothing is free. Parking is much worse, and soon will be eliminated completely until the late fall of 2024. Now is the time for the West community to work with West faculty and staff to provide street parking and (at least temporarily) elimination of the two-hour parking ban for West staff. This small gesture would have an enormous impact reducing teachers’ and staff stress as they search for a place to legally park. It’s your choice, of course, but we humbly ask that you consider making this change during construction.

On another note, Monday, April 25th is a regular school day. This professional development day was used for teacher training at the start of the year and some of the documents (including student planners) were printed before this change was made. We apologize for any confusion.

Thanks, and have a great day.

Karen

Happening Now

April Summit Credit Union News

Upcoming Events

Summer Job Opportunities

Are you looking for a summer job or internship? Check out the student-run job board and mark your calendar for the Job & Resource Fair on Friday May 6th in the Cafenasium from 11-2 (hours 4-6).

College Application Info Sessions for Juniors

Blooming Artists Plant Sale

Fine Arts Week showcases the talents of hundreds of West High School students! This celebration usually includes Gallery Nights, which highlights the work of our visual arts students, and daily presentations of theater, dance and music. The week closes with the Art Department Craft Sale, and the famous West Pottery Auction! Over the last two years, Fine Arts Week has been different, but we were able to use funds raised through the plant sale to purchase a beautiful new digital video camera to record live performances! This will be a great resource for many students for years to come. Many thanks to our customers!

In a typical year the plant sale supports Fine Arts Week and helps to fund arts opportunities at West, including purchase of a pottery kiln, support of Anthony Cao’s hip hop class, and administrative help. The Blooming Artists Plant Sale has traditionally been a significant source of funds for this support. We want to grow this initiative to reach more arts students and to highlight our generous local partner, Deerfield Greenhouse: Deerfield Greenhouse & Floral - Home | Facebook

In addition to beautiful bedding plants, Deerfield Greenhouse is known for its range of peppers and donut peaches. If you are unsure what to buy (for yourself or someone else), gift certificates are available! These can be redeemed all summer long at the Deerfield Greenhouse stand at the Dane County Farmers’ Market, for an expanded set of plants and produce. Check out pictures of plants from 2021 here.

To participate please order by Friday, April 22nd using the attached order form.

Order forms and checks made payable to Friends of West and can be mailed to:

℅ Lucy Richards 3210 Tally Ho Lane, Madison WI 53705.

Please do NOT mail orders or checks or cash to the school

Plant pickup will be Wednesday, May 18 from 3-6 pm, location near WHS to be confirmed & following CDC guidelines. Orders can also be delivered to your home for a small fee.

Questions or to volunteer at the sale, please contact Lucy: lucy@kissyfish.org.

Get Involved

Costa Rica Youth Exchange

Our Youth Exchange was created 1998 with the purpose of connecting high school Spanish students to our growing Latino youth culture. The success of bringing youth together has been credited with a high retention in Spanish fluency. Youth tend to learn language rapidly when it revolves around the social interaction and family engagement of local peers. Program Director Ilba Prego is a native of Central America, having lived and worked in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Over the past 22 years our youth summer exchange has partnered with some of the top high schools in the U.S. In addition to our summer program, we offer extended-stay opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. Contact us if you are interested.

West Mountain Biking Team

The West HS club mountain biking team was State Champion again in 2021! Congratulations!

Interested in learning to mountain bike, and maybe racing with your friends? Learn more at our May 4 introductory meeting.

2022-2023 Senior Citizens

Hey Juniors! Be a part of an honored West tradition by becoming a Senior Citizen! Senior Citizens welcome the class of 2026! Senior Citizens are volunteers from the senior class that help 9th grade students transition into high school by running Freshman Orientation Day. As a Senior Citizen, you will spend the day before school starts next fall with the entire freshman class, leading home room activities, tours of the building, an assembly, and a carnival of the clubs. Throughout the school year, Senior Citizens may also be asked to help folx find their way around the building.

The following activities are required of all Senior Citizens:

June 9 - Leadership Training

August 30 - T-Shirt Distribution and Team Planning

September 1 - Freshman Orientation Day

September 2022 - Go to School Night (date not determined yet)

February 2023 - 8th Grade Orientation

There will be a one time $15 fee for the Senior Citizen T-shirt. There will be scholarship funds available on an as needed basis.

Deadline for submissions is ASAP.

Please fill out this form if you are interested in becoming a Senior Citizen for the 2022-2023 school year.